PANAJI
Fatorda Veterans secured their spot in the finals of the Panjim Veterans Football Tournament with a commanding 3–0 victory over Bardez Veterans in a high-paced semifinal clash played at Taleigao Ground.
The match began with both teams pressing hard for an early breakthrough. Fatorda took the lead in the first half when Bardez defender Benedict Fernandes inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Bardez nearly found a way back into the match around the 30th minute but were denied by Fatorda’s solid defense, marshaled by seasoned players Anthony Pereira (former Mahindra & Mahindra), Vincent Colaco (ex-Dempo), and Venancio Gonsalves (ex-Sporting Clube de Goa).
Fatorda doubled their lead in the second half with a well-taken goal by Richard Carvalho. In the dying minutes, Milagres Fernandes sealed the win with a third goal, finishing off a superb assist from Precly Pereira.
In the second semifinal, Fractures Verem Veterans edged past Goa Police Veterans 5–3 in a tense penalty shootout after a drawn match.
Fatorda Veterans will now face Fractures Verem Veterans in the tournament final on May 7 at St. Cruz Ground.
Pascoal Pereira (former Dempo player) was present as the Chief Guest and presented the Man of the Match award to Seby Fernandes of Bardez Veterans.
